Abortion Debate Heats Up After Doctor's Murder

Abortion doctor George Tiller's killing has set off a heated debate over the already polarizing issue. Tiller's clinic was one of only a handful that performed late-term abortions and had been targeted by anti-abortion groups for years. The controversy surrounding his death is unfolding as opponents and supporters of abortion rights lock horns, with each side accusing the other of exploiting the situation for their own gain.

Key Takeaways:

• Opponents of abortion rights, such as Tom McClusky of the Family Research Council, fear that supporters of abortion rights will use Tiller's death to push for legislation like the Face Act, a 1994 law aimed at quelling violent protests around abortion clinics.
• Supporters of abortion rights, including Nancy Keenan of NARAL Pro-Choice America, argue that anti-abortion groups bear some responsibility for the violent rhetoric that can lead to violence.
• Randall Terry, founder of Operation Rescue, believes that the pro-life movement should not tone down its rhetoric and should instead focus on exposing the "demonic" nature of abortion.
• The debate over abortion remains highly polarized, with opinion polls showing a remarkably stable split between support and opposition over the years.
• The shooting death of George Tiller is just the latest incident in a long history of violence and protests surrounding abortion clinics.
• Pro-choice groups are already organizing vigils and campaigns in response to Tiller's death.

Statistics:

• One of only a handful of clinics that performed late-term abortions.
• The Face Act, a 1994 law, was passed after two abortion clinic shootings in 1993, one involving George Tiller.
• Over 30 years, the national debate over abortion has shown a remarkably stable split between support and opposition.
• 1991: Randall Terry led picketing of Tiller's clinic.
• 1993: Two abortion clinic shootings occurred within a year, prompting the passage of the Face Act.

Sources:

• NPR's Julie Rovner
• Steve Inskeep, host
• Tom McClusky, Family Research Council
• Nancy Keenan, NARAL Pro-Choice America
• Randall Terry, Operation Rescue